History

Detroit Lions Gridiron Heroes

Lomas Brown

OL

Florida

Years with the Lions: 1985-95

Pro Bowls: 6 (1991-96)

Seasons: 11

Height: 6-4

Weight: 280

Photo courtesy of the Detroit Lions

T Lomas Brown was drafted by the Lions in the first round (sixth overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft, and for the next 11 seasons the team would feature a pivotal piece on the offensive line that not only blocked for perhaps the greatest running back of all-time in Barry Sanders but a unit that would prove valuable to the several playoff appearances the team earned in the early 1990s.

During his time in the NFL, Brown was one of the league’s premier tackles. He earned six-consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl from 1991-97, and he was a starter three years (1991-92 and 1994). Brown was the ever-important left tackle that shut down his defensive counterpart week in and week out, and he was one of the most durable offensive lineman in Detroit Lions history starting nearly every game (164) he played in as a Lion.

Brown was a key blocker on a line that paved the way for Sanders as he claimed NFL rushing titles in 1990 and 1994. He blocked for Sanders for seven seasons (1989-95), and Sanders accumulated 10,172 yards (4.0 avg) and 73 rushing touchdowns during that time.

Brown was a member of Lions teams that made the playoffs in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1995, and he was a member of the 1991 and 1993 squads that won the NFC Central division title. In 1991, the Lions set a franchise high with 12 regular season wins and earned a berth in the 1992 NFC Championship Game. Brown was a respected leader who graciously donated a great deal of time and energy to many charitable causes throughout the Detroit area.